Bowel cancer is a common disorder in the UK. Most cancers happen when a type of polyp, called an adenoma, becomes cancerous. Polyps are growths in the large bowel that can be cancerous, non-cancerous, or pre-cancerous (adenoma). Polyps are most commonly detected during colonoscopy (camera test of the lower bowel). The removal of adenomas has been shown to reduce the subsequent risk of bowel cancer. Current practice is that all polyps are removed or biopsied to allow a laboratory diagnosis (histology). This is important as it influences if and when patients require follow-up colonoscopies, known as the surveillance interval. Patients with only non-cancerous polyps do not need surveillance.

A new blue light technology, called narrow band imaging (NBI), used during colonoscopy can help colonoscopists (doctor or nurse performing the procedure)differentiate between polyp types during colonoscopy. NBI is currently available in a large number of UK endoscopy units however is variably used. Studies from 'expert' centres have demonstrated that NBI allows accurate optical diagnosis of colonic polyps. Benefits of optical diagnosis include avoiding removal of non-cancerous polyps and an immediate (on the day) diagnosis for the patient including the surveillance interval.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy with which colonoscopists assess the required surveillance interval using optical diagnosis when compared with histology in non-expert centres. The investigators will invite 2500 patients, who have been referred for colonoscopy, to participate. Patients will undergo a routine colonoscopy the only addition being the use of NBI during the procedure. Colonoscopists will provide an optical diagnosis at the time of colonoscopy in addition to polyp removal or biopsy.

The investigators will compare surveillance intervals provided using optical diagnosis with the diagnosis from histology and thereby the accuracy with which colonoscopists can use the technology. The investigators will also calculate the cost savings to the NHS.

Patients with known inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis of Crohns disease) or known polyposis syndromes.

Patients who lack capacity to give informed consent as assessed by the clinical study team member taking consent.

Patients who are known to be pregnant (self-reported).

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01603927